Tuning fork damper for archery products

ABSTRACT

A tuning fork damping assembly for an archery bow includes a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housing includes spaced apart fork members defining a cavity. A dampening member is disposed within the cavity for dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/639,917, filed on Dec. 29, 2004 andentitled “Tuning Fork Damper for Archery Products.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an archery bow. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a tuning fork dampener assembly for dampeningvibrational energy and noise in an archery bow component.

2. Description of Related Art

Vibration and noise are important considerations in the design andmanufacture of archery bows, including compound bows, mechanical bows,and cross bows, and archery bow accessories. The drawing back of thestring and subsequent release thereof creates vibrational energythroughout the archery bow, especially in the strings and the limbs.This vibrational energy substantially interferes with one's ability tocontrol the archery bow. Thus, the ability to reduce vibrational energyis a highly desirable feature for archery bows.

Noise is produced in the archery bow when the vibrational energy reacheshard surface-to-hard surface contact points. For hunting purposes, suchnoise is particularly undesirable in that animals are known to be ableto “jump the string.” Jumping the string occurs when an animal jumps orflinches in response to noise produced by an archery bow shot. In manyinstances, this jumping or flinching is enough to allow the animal toavoid the archery bow shot. Thus, a device for redirecting and/oreliminating noise during each shot of the archery bow is also a highlydesirable feature for archery bows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a tuning fork damping assemblyis provided for an archery bow. The tuning fork damping assemblyincludes a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of thearchery bow. The tuning fork housing includes spaced apart fork membersdefining a cavity. A dampening member is disposed within the cavity fordampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

According to another aspect of the invention, a tuning fork dampingdevice is provided for an archery bow. The tuning fork damping deviceincludes an integrally formed, one-piece tuning fork housing adapted tobe coupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housing hasspaced apart fork members defining a cavity therebetween to allow eachof the spaced apart fork members to vibrate independently of one anotherfor dampening vibrational energy generated by each shot of the archerybow.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a tuning forkassembly is provided for dampening vibrational energy in an archery bow.The tuning fork assembly includes a bow component having a pair ofspaced apart, generally rigid fork members defining a cavitytherebetween. A dampening member is disposed within the cavity andclamped into place between the pair of spaced apart, generally rigidfork members for dampening vibrational energy in portions of the archerybow adjacent the bow component.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a tuning fork dampingassembly for an archery bow includes a tuning fork housing adapted to becoupled to a portion of the archery bow. The tuning fork housingincludes spaced apart fork members defining a cavity. A damping mass iscoupled to at least one of the spaced apart fork members for dampeningvibrational energy generated by each shot of the archery bow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an archery bow including a tuning forkdampening assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tuning fork dampening assembly;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the tuning fork dampeningassembly;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow including atuning fork damping device mounted to various archery bow components;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tuning fork damping device;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the archery bow of anarchery bow including a tuning fork assembly according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the archery bow includingfirst, second, and third tuning fork assemblies; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a riser including the spaced apart forkmembers at each end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an archery bow, generally shown at 10, includes ariser 12 extending between opposing ends 14, 16. Although a compound bowis shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the following description isequally applicable to other bows including, but not limited to,mechanical bows and cross bows. The archery bow 10 includes first 18 andsecond 20 limbs extending away from the respective ends 14, 16 of theriser 12. Each of the first 18 and second 20 limbs includes a first end22 proximate to one end 14, 16 of the riser 12. A pair of limb pockets24, 26 is coupled to the first end 22 of the respective first 18 andsecond 20 limbs.

A wheel 30 or cam 32 is rotatably coupled to a second end 28 of each ofthe first 18 and second 20 limbs. A harness or cable system 34 and abowstring 36 are wound around and between each wheel 30 and cam 32 andpulled in tension by the first 18 and second 20 limbs. A cable guard rod38 extends between the riser 12 and the harness or cable system 34.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a tuning fork dampener assembly orstabilizer, generally shown at 40, is provided for dampening vibrationalenergy and reducing noise generated during each shot of the archery bow10. Each tuning fork dampener assembly 40 includes a tuning forkhousing, generally indicated at 42, adapted to be coupled to any ofvarious archery bow components. Preferably, the coupling of the tuningfork dampening assembly 40 to one of the archery bow components isfacilitated by a mounting structure 43 disposed at one end of the tuningfork housing 42. The mounting structure 43 includes a screw receivingend 45. It is, however, appreciated that the tuning fork dampenerassembly 40 may be attached to an archery bow component in any ofnumerous ways including, but not limited to, fastening, molding,welding, riveting, bonding, and snap-fitting.

The tuning fork housing 42 includes a stem portion 44 and spaced apartfork members 46, 48 extending out from the stem portion 44. The spacedapart fork members 46, 48 define a cavity 50 therebetween. The spacedapart fork members 46, 48 and the cavity 50 therebetween imparts thetuning fork housing 42 with a generally U-shaped or V-shaped appearance.It is, however, appreciated that the tuning fork housing 42, includingthe spaced apart fork members 46, 48, may be formed in any of varioussimilar shapes. It is further appreciated that the tuning fork housing42 may be formed as a single piece or fabricated in separate pieces thatare assembled together.

At least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 includes anaperture 52 extending therethrough opposite the stem portion 44. Inaddition, at least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 includesat least one hollow 53 formed therealong.

The cross-section of each of the fork spaced apart fork members 46, 48is specifically formed to efficiently draw unwanted vibrational energyinto the tuning fork dampening assembly 40. It is appreciated that thegeometrical shape and corresponding cross-section of each of the spacedapart fork members 46, 48 may vary. For example, the cross-section ofeach of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may be generally circular,semi-circular, rectangular, square, or any of numerous alternatives.Further, one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may have adifferent cross-section than the other of the spaced apart fork members46, 48.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48is formed from metal. It is, however, contemplated that the spaced apartfork members 46, 48 may be formed from any of numerous materials.

The tuning fork dampening assembly 40 also includes a dampening member54 disposed within the cavity 50 between the spaced apart fork members46, 48. The dampening member 54 is preferably formed from an elastomericmaterial although any of numerous materials having dampingcharacteristics may also be utilized.

The dampening member 54 includes an aperture 56 that aligns with therespective aperture 52 formed on at least one of the spaced apart forkmembers 46, 48, and at least one hollow 57. A fastener (not shown)extends through each of the apertures 52, 56 to fixedly secure thedampening member 54 to the tuning fork housing 42. At the same time, thefastener exerts a load on the dampening member 54. It is appreciatedthat although the fastener extending through the apertures 52, 56 hasbeen disclosed for securing the dampening member 54 to the tuning forkhousing 42, the dampening member 54 may be secured between the spacedapart fork members 46, 48 in any of numerous ways including, but notlimited to, frictional engagement.

A damping mass 59 may be inserted into at least one of the hollows 53formed along at least one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 toalter system frequencies. The damping mass 59 may be formed from any ofnumerous materials including, but not limited to, carbide, steel, andaluminum. The damping mass 59 may also be inserted into at least one ofthe hollows 57 formed along the dampening member 54.

Each of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 is free to oscillate as aresult of its predetermined cross-section, which is specifically formedto efficiently draw vibrational energy into the tuning fork dampenerassembly 40 and then dampen the vibrational energy by way of thedampener member 54. Once the archery bow 10 is shot, vibrational energytransfers to the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 naturally as itfollows the path of least resistance. As the vibrational energy reachesthe spaced apart fork members 46, 48, the spaced apart fork members 46,48 handle the vibrational energy uniformly and efficiently. The spacedapart fork members 46, 48 may vibrate with the same frequency as oneanother once the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 has been energized.Alternatively, one of the spaced apart fork members 46, 48 may vibratewith a different frequency than the other spaced apart fork member 46,48 once the tuning fork dampening assembly 40 has been energized. Thedifference in frequency results from the spaced apart fork members 46,48 having different geometrical shapes or cross-sections, or one or moredamping masses 59 added thereto.

In addition, the dampening member 54 allows system frequencies, that is,noise, to be altered. Further, the tuning fork housing 42 is anacoustical housing. As a result, the tuning fork dampening assembly 40can be specifically designed to radiate noise in a predetermineddirection, for example, away from a bow target, upon firing of thearchery bow 10.

Numerous tuning fork dampener assemblies 40 may be incorporated into asingle archery bow 10. For exemplary purposes, FIG. 1 shows tuning forkdampening assemblies 40 secured to the riser 12, the first 18 and second20 limbs, and the cable guard rod 38.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein like primed reference numeralsrepresent similar elements as those described above, in a secondembodiment of the invention an integrally formed, one-piece tuning forkdamping device, generally indicated at 60, is adapted to be coupled toany of numerous archery bow components for dampening vibrational energyand noise generated by the archery bow 10′. For exemplary purposes, thetuning fork damping device 60 is shown coupled to one of the limbs 18′,the cable guard rod 38′, and the string 36′. The tuning fork dampingdevice 60 is preferably formed from an elastomeric material although itis appreciated that any suitable damping material may be utilized in thealternative.

The tuning fork damping device 60 includes the spaced apart fork members46′, 48′ defining the cavity 50′ therebetween. The cavity 50′ isair-filled. As such, each of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ isallowed to vibrate independently of one another to dampen vibrationalenergy generated during each shot of the archery bow 10′. Each of thespaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ includes at least one slot 62 formedtherealong. The damping mass 59′ may be inserted into one or more of theslots 62 in order to change the vibration frequency of one of the forkmembers 46′, 48′ relative to the other.

As with the previous embodiment set forth above, the geometrical shapeand corresponding cross-section of each of the spaced apart fork members46′, 48′ may vary. For example, the cross-section of each of the spacedapart fork members 46′, 48′ may be generally circular, semi-circular,rectangular, square, or any of numerous alternatives. Further, one ofthe spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may have a differentcross-section than the other of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′.

The spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′ may vibrate with the samefrequency as one another once the tuning fork damping device 60 has beenenergized. Alternatively, one of the spaced apart fork members 46′, 48′may vibrate with a different frequency than the other spaced apart forkmember 46′, 48′ once the tuning fork damping device 60 has beenenergized. The difference in frequency results from the spaced apartfork members 46′, 48′ having different geometrical shapes orcross-sections, or one or more damping masses 59′ added thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, wherein like double-primed referencenumerals represent similar elements as those described above, in a thirdembodiment of the invention various archery bow components includeintegrated tuning fork assemblies. More specifically, the riser 12″includes first 64 and second 66 tuning fork assemblies extending outfrom the respective ends 14″, 16″ of the riser 12″. The first tuningfork assembly 64 includes the pair of spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″defining the cavity 50″ therebetween. The dampening member 54″ isdisposed within the cavity 50″. Each of the spaced apart fork members46″, 48″ includes a pivot aperture 68. The pivot apertures 68 align witha protrusion 70 extending out from the limb pocket 24″ at a pivot 72. Ascrew 74 extends through the pivot apertures 68 and the protrusion 70 toclamp the dampening member 54″ between the spaced apart fork members46″, 48″. The screw 74 acts as a vise by clamping the dampening member54″ between the rigid spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. By varying thescrew tightness, a user can control the amount of preload exerted on thedampening member 54″. The dampening member 54″ dampens vibration at thecoupling between the riser 12″ and the adjacent limb pocket 24″ in orderto securely hold adjacent structural archery bow components in placeduring archery bow use.

The second tuning fork assembly 66 of the riser 12″ is spaced apart fromthe first tuning fork assembly 64 and includes the pair of spaced apartfork members 46″, 48″ defining the cavity 50″ therebetween. Thedampening member 54″ is disposed within the cavity 50″. Each of thespaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ includes a pivot aperture 76. One end78 of an actuator 80 is aligned with the pivot apertures 76 at a pivot79. The actuator 80 is formed from a resilient material, preferably anelastomeric material such as urethane or polyurethane in any durometer.A screw 82 is inserted through the pivot apertures 76 and the end 78 ofthe actuator 80 to clamp the end 78 of the actuator 80 in place betweenthe spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″. The screw 82 acts as a vise byclamping the actuator 80 between the rigid spaced apart fork members46″, 48″. As a result, vibration at the pivot 79 is dampened, whichsecures adjacent bow components in place during archery bow use. Byvarying the screw tightness, a user can control the amount of preloadexerted on the dampening member 54″.

Each of the limb pockets 24″, 26″ (one shown) includes a third tuningfork assembly 84 having the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ definingthe cavity 50″. Each of the spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ includesa pivot aperture 86. An opposing end 88 of the actuator 80 is alignedwith the pivot apertures 86 at a pivot 89. A screw 90 is insertedthrough the pivot apertures 86 and the end 88 of the actuator 80 toclamp the end 88 of the actuator 80 in place between the spaced apartfork members 46″, 48″. The screw 90 acts as a vise by clamping theactuator 80 between the rigid spaced apart fork members 46″, 48″ of thelimb pocket 24″. As a result, vibration at the pivot 89 is dampened,which secures adjacent bow components in place during archery bow use.By varying the screw tightness, a user can control the amount of preloadexerted on the dampening member 54″

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to beunderstood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to bein the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Manymodifications and variations of the invention are possible in light ofthe above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims,the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

1. A tuning fork damping assembly for an archery bow, said tuning forkdamping assembly comprising: a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupledto a portion of the archery bow, said tuning fork housing includingspaced apart fork members defining a cavity; and a dampening memberdisposed within said cavity for dampening vibrational energy generatedby each shot of the archery bow.
 2. A tuning fork damping assembly asset forth in claim 1 wherein one of said spaced apart fork members has afirst geometrical shape for vibrating at a first frequency.
 3. A tuningfork damping assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein another of saidspaced apart fork members has a second geometrical shape for vibratingat a second frequency.
 4. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth inclaim 3 wherein said first and second geometrical shapes are the samesuch that each of said spaced apart fork members vibrates at the samefrequency as the archery bow is shot.
 5. A tuning fork damping assemblyas set forth in claim 3 wherein said first geometrical shape isdifferent from said second geometrical shape such that at least one ofsaid spaced apart fork members vibrates at a different frequency fromanother one of said spaced apart fork members as the archery bow isshot.
 6. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid dampening member is formed from an elastomeric material.
 7. Atuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tuningfork housing is integrally formed.
 8. A tuning fork damping assembly asset forth in claim 1 wherein said tuning fork housing is fabricatedseparately and assembled together.
 9. A tuning fork damping assembly asset forth in claim 1 including a damping mass coupled to at least one ofsaid spaced apart fork members.
 10. A tuning fork damping assembly asset forth in claim 1 including a damping mass coupled to said dampeningmember.
 11. A tuning fork damping assembly as set forth in claim 1including a screw extending through said dampening member and saidspaced apart fork members for clamping said dampening membertherebetween.
 12. A tuning fork damping device for an archery bow, saidtuning fork damping device comprising: an integrally formed, one-piecetuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion of the archerybow, said tuning fork housing having spaced apart fork members defininga cavity therebetween to allow each of said spaced apart fork members tovibrate independently of one another for dampening vibrational energygenerated by each shot of the archery bow.
 13. A tuning fork dampingdevice as set forth in claim 12 wherein said tuning fork housing isformed from an elastomeric material.
 14. A tuning fork damping device asset forth in claim 12 wherein one of said spaced apart fork members hasa first geometrical shape for vibrating at a first frequency.
 15. Atuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 14 wherein another ofsaid spaced apart fork members has a second geometrical shape forvibrating at a second frequency.
 16. A tuning fork damping device as setforth in claim 15 wherein said first and second geometrical shapes arethe same such that each of said spaced apart fork members vibrates atthe same frequency as the archery bow is shot.
 17. A tuning fork dampingdevice as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first geometrical shape isdifferent than said second geometrical shape such that at least one ofsaid spaced apart fork members vibrates at a different frequency fromanother one of said spaced apart fork members as the archery bow isshot.
 18. A tuning fork damping device as set forth in claim 12including a damping mass coupled to at least one of said spaced apartfork members.
 19. A tuning fork assembly for dampening vibrationalenergy in an archery bow, said tuning fork assembly comprising: a bowcomponent including pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork membersdefining a cavity therebetween; and a dampening member disposed withinsaid cavity and clamped into place between said pair of spaced apart,generally rigid fork members for dampening vibrational energy inportions of the archery bow adjacent said bow component.
 20. A tuningfork assembly as set forth in claim 19 including a screw extendingbetween said pair of spaced apart, generally rigid fork members forclamping said dampening member therebetween.
 21. A tuning fork dampingassembly for an archery bow, said tuning fork damping assemblycomprising: a tuning fork housing adapted to be coupled to a portion ofthe archery bow, said tuning fork housing including spaced apart forkmembers defining a cavity; and a damping mass coupled to at least one ofsaid spaced apart fork members for dampening vibrational energygenerated by each shot of the archery bow.